Looking for something very special for your New Zealand ‘Trip of a Lifetime’? The Kakapo tour is the ultimate New Zealand 3 week itinerary, with all the favourite kiwi holiday spots bottled into one very special tour package.
Meet real Kiwis and hear their stories, marvel at one unbelievable view after another, see New Zealand’s unique and crazy wildlife up close, get out on the water and up in the air, savour the tastes of fresh food and wine with new friends and at the end of each unforgettable day relax with all the comforts of home.
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner
This four star hotel offers uninterrupted Bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It features a spectacular, lagoon style swimming pool and rock pools of cascading water. The hotel’s 180 guest rooms have individual patios or balconies from which to enjoy the water or garden views. Taking inspiration from nature, rooms have been designed to blend into the natural environment whilst offering a serene escape.
A contemporary hotel, in the heart of Auckland City and overlooking the beautiful Auckland waterfront, right next to the Viaduct Harbour with an abundance of cafes and restaurants. The hotel features 190 rooms and suites designed for all travellers, overlooking the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences. Treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at ‘Beast & Butterflies’ – M Social’s signature restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends – both old and new – over a drink at the Beast & Butterflies bar. Everyone enjoys complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Conveniently located just 15-minutes from Rotorua Airport in the heart of Rotorua township, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is the perfect base to see all that Rotorua has to offer. Take a short stroll to the lakefront to ride the thrilling Kawarau Jet on Lake Rotorua. Hop on nearby public transport to visit the cultural and geothermal wonders at Te Puia. Or enjoy the adrenaline-pumping action of the luge at Rotorua Skyline. The hotel is also just steps from Eat Streat bars and restaurants also only a short walk from the awe-inspiring lakefront. Rejuvenate in the spa’s natural geothermal mineral pools and experience a delicious dinner in the Atlas Restaurant. Then retire to your room – a calm haven with earthy colours, wood furniture and picture windows.
Powderhorn Chateau – A lovely alpine-styled property located in Ohakune, only a short walk to restaurants and bars and right on the doorstep of the Old Coach Road cycle trail. With an indoor pool, a bar and 2 restaurants this is a lovely base for any stay near Tongariro National Park. Aspen Court Taihape – Located on State Highway 1 on the north side of Taihape, halfway between Taupo and Wellington. All units are extremely quiet as sound proof insulation and noise glass have been used throughout the complex. The landscaping makes a tranquil retreat and comprehensive guest laundry is located on the premises.
Powderhorn Chateau Ohakune
The Bolton Hotel is situated amongst the energy & excitement of the capital city, Wellington. With some of the largest hotel room sizes in the city, the hotel offers stylish and comfortable rooms. The hotel has a fitness centre, lap pool, sauna and spa pool. It also has a restaurant and a lobby cafe and bar.
This central-city hotel is locataed right on the river and just a few minutes walk from Nelson’s main shopping precinct. It has a lovely restaurant and bar overlooking the water. Many of the rooms offer Maitai River, poolside or Nelson city views and private balconies.
Set on the Esplanade in Kaikōura, The White Morph enjoys commanding views of the ocean and mountains, and gives you access to all of the region’s experiences. Only a 10 minute walk to downtown Kaikōura, the property has been beautifully placed so that you can take in the spectacular scenery of Kaikoura while enjoying the variety of attractions on offer. Rooms offer either partial ocean views or garden views and there is complimentary unlimited WiFi access daily and access to the on-site laundry.
The Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki/Mount Cook is an iconic hotel with a rich history spanning over 130 years. Located right in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, the Hermitage is the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of this stunning area, with a variety of accommodation options, a collection of dining establishments & unique activities whilst providing genuine kiwi hospitality.
Scenic Suites Queenstown provides a fantastic central Queenstown location. The hotel’s elevated position gives fantastic views of the Southern Alps and over Lake Wakatipu. It’s hard to go past Scenic Suites Queenstown with its convenience and quality of four-star apartment style accommodation.
Located right on the lakefront in Wanaka and a short drive from the town centre, Edgewater Resort has a beautiful scenic setting. All guest rooms have either an outdoor patio or balcony. Enjoy a tranquil and relaxing stay directly on Wānaka’s lakefront. You can relax by playing tennis or biking or relax on The Terrace and enjoy a drink or meal.
The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is close to the edge of one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions. In the heart of Franz Josef village and on the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is very close to the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. With an exceptional restaurant, serving hearty, West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
Located right on the shores of the spectacular Tasman Ocean, bordered by greenery and only a few minutes walk from the famous Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes walk. Relax by the fire in the warm and friendly executive lounge, dine at the hotel restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch or dinner or relax in the bar with stunning views over the ocean.
Your Kakapo 21 day tour includes breakfast every morning (20 days) and four lunches, as outlined below.
Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest city. It is based around 2 large and picturesque harbours. ‘The City of Sails’ is known as such because of the many yachts often seen on those harbours.
Tāmaki Makaurau is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two major bodies of water. The central part of the urban area occupies a narrow isthmus between the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea and the Waitematā Harbour on the Pacific Ocean.
The Auckland landscape is also dotted with 53 volcanic centres that make up the Auckland Volcanic Field. And the many volcanic cones are a feature of the city.
In the centre of the city, the iconic Sky Tower dominates the skyline and has views across the city and harbours.
There is lots to see and do close to the CBD. Bustling precincts include Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour, full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, covers an extinct volcano and is home to the formal Wintergardens. A short harbour-side drive takes you to Mission Bay Beach, which offers a relaxed beachside vibe and a seaside promenade — a wonderful place for a stroll.
A slightly longer drive will take you to the Waitakere Ranges, which surrounding the city to the west, and pristine sub-tropical rainforest.
Opononi offers beachside living in the heart of the Hokianga Harbour in the north of the New Zealand’s North Island. Easy-going Opononi and nearby Omapere are places to live the beach life, hear the stories of Kupe, and zoom up and down the giant dunes and harbour of the Hokianga.
Opononi became famous in the mid 1950s because of a tame dolphin. Opo, who used to let children ride on his back, was national news.
A white sand beach stretches all the way to the Opononi Wharf. Catch a water taxi to the giant sand dunes on the other side of the harbour here. Dune surfing on boogie boards is a thrill that leaves you sandy but extremely satisfied.
From kayaking to jet-skiing, Opononi and (twin settlement) Omapere also offer a range of exciting water activities.
In the heart of the twin settlement, you’ll find Manea Footprints of Kupe, a Māori cultural centre that tells the story of great ancestor Kupe through a 4D sensory experience.
The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region in the north of the North Island. It is known for its beauty, stunning beaches, deep sea fishing & importance to New Zealand history. And it is paradise for those that love beaches and water activities with a little colonial history thrown in.
The Bay of Islands includes 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. The boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell, Kerikeri and Waitangi, which played a very special part in Aotearoa’s history, populate its coastline.
There are a number of excellent ways to experience the region. One of the most popular activities is a trip to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Piercy Island. A passenger ferry service runs between Paihia and Russell. And a vehicle ferry provides a link between Opua and Russell.
On land, you’ll enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty kauri tree in pristine subtropical rainforest. This is a very beautiful and popular part of the country and a favourite with visitors and Kiwis alike.
Rotorua is an inland city that is famous for its geothermal activity, Maori culture experiences, 18 lakes, and three major rivers in a beautiful natural environment.
Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists. Its geothermal activity, featuring geysers and hot mud pools, are world renowned. This thermal activity is created by the Rotorua Caldera, over which the town is built.
In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. Its also home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with traditional wood carving and weaving schools.
Rotorua was one of the first places in the country to host tourists who came to experience the healing properties of the geothermal waters.
Tongariro National Park is situated in the middle of the North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers almost 80,000 hectares of awe-inspiring landscapes.
The mountains of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the area. Access its diverse terrain from a variety of neighbouring towns including Ohakune, Turangi or Taumarunui. Or base yourself, right in the heart of the National Park, at Whakapapa and National Park Villages.
The Tongariro National Park is most famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the large ski fields of Whakapapa and Tūroa on Mount Ruapehu. But there is a huge variety of activities to enjoy in and around the park year round.
This stunning location offers you the opportunity to spend some time exploring the great outdoors. Walks, hikes and bike rides for every age and ability are easy to access. They’re perfect for day trips or multi-day adventures.
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city and the location of our parliament. Located at the bottom of the North Island it sits on the Cook Strait, which divides the North and South Islands. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname “Windy Wellington”.
It is a vibrant and compact city, with a beautiful waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and some lovely turn of the century, timber houses on the steep hills it features. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
Wellington is home to New Zealand’s National Museum, Te Papa, and bespoke art and creative pursuits thrive in this city. Couple this with a strong café and restaurant culture and you have an interesting and unique little city to explore.
Right in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds you will find Picton. This picturesque port town is home to great cafés, restaurants, galleries and specialty shops. It is the heart of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds.
The town is built around a very sheltered harbour, full of moored yachts. The attractive seafront is dotted with cafés, restaurants, various types of galleries and a pleasant place to wander.
There’s a floating maritime museum and an aquarium. The Marlborough Sounds offer cruising, fishing, dolphin watching, sea kayaking or mountain biking. And the iconic Queen Charlotte Track, running almost the length of the Queen Charlotte Sound, is a must-do for keen hikers.
Picton is also the South Island port for the Bluebridge and Interislander ferries that link the main islands of New Zealand.
Blenheim sits in the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough region. It is known as one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Mountains frame the area and trap the summer heat (temperatures over 30°C are quite normal in February and March).
Rows of vines thrive in this environment and produce the majority of New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc.
In and around Blenheim you’ll find an array of cafes, restaurants, wineries, bars, shops, artisan food outlets and golf courses along with popular walkways along the Taylor River Reserve.
Aircraft enthusiast are in for a treat. A 10 minute drive from the railway station and you will be outside enormous airport hangers, about to enter a world of flight and excitement. Omaka Aviation Heritage is home to Peter Jackson’s personal collection of WW1 planes and memorabilia.
Nelson is the main centre of the Tasman region. This is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape.
It is renowned for its sunny climate, produce and stunning natural landscapes. Indeed, its diverse geography captures everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.
Nelson Tasman has one of the largest concentrations of working artists and galleries in the country. You’ll find an array of traditional, contemporary and Māori, craftspeople living in the region.
And you’ll also find many ways to find something extraordinary to take home with you. Visit artist’s studios. Explore the weekend craft markets. Taste the delicious locally made artisan products.
Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park. But it’s one of the most easily accessible and is unmatched for beautiful coastal settings and beaches.
The park is at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island near Motueka and Nelson. It’s known for the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This long trail, a 3-5 day walk, winds over beaches and across ridges between Marahau in the south and Wainui in the north.
This beautiful coastal area abounds with NZ wildlife. The headland at Separation Point is home to New Zealand fur seal colonies. Little blue penguins, bottlenose dolphins and seals inhabit the Tonga Island Marine Reserve.
Explore the park from land, on the water, or in the air, with cruises, water taxi services, kayaking options, heli-tours and sailing catamarans through its beautiful coastal waters.
There are few places on earth like Kaikōura. A small coastal village, with a relaxed beachside vibe, it has some stunning views of both mountains and sea. And it offers to enjoy the bounty of the sea whether eating local kai moana or encountering local sale sea life off the coast.
The nearby Seaward Kaikōura Mountains, a towering snow-clad mountain range, provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre. Meanwhile, the town extends out to the Kaikōura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll in.
These mountains rise to heights of 2600m. And the undersea canyon that comes to meet them, plunges to depths of over 1200m very close to shore. These two factors alone make Kaikōura unique.
Stand on top of a snow-capped mountain in the morning. Whale watch or dolphin / seal swim in the afternoon. Then take in a gorgeous sunset while feasting upon fresh seafood beside the sea.
Aoraki / Mount Cook, standing at 3,724 metres, is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is located within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
The park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense — with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky. It is part of the Southern Alps, the mountain range running the length of the South Island.
A popular tourist destination, Aoraki /Mount Cook is also a favourite challenge for mountain climbers. Mt Cook, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of becoming the first person to climb Mt Everest.
Although the National Park encompasses 23 peaks over 3000 metres high, it is very accessible. State Highway 80 leads to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village beside scenic Lake Pukaki, which provides a comfortable base for alpine activities.
Far from city lights, the stargazing here is magnificent. Indeed, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park forms the majority of New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve.
Queenstown is a stunning resort town, renowned for its beauty and wealth of adventure activities, it sits on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps mountains, Queenstown is also a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns.
Iconic adventure activities include bungee jumping off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and jet-boating on the Shotover and Dart rivers. And in winter, there’s skiing on the slopes of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona ski resorts.
Queenstown is a hub of adventure, thrumming with adrenaline and an buzzing with a carefree sense of fun. But extreme activities aren’t the only options here. This world-famous resort town and its surrounding area boast many things to see, do, eat, drink and explore. Something for everyone at any time of year.
Famously described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world”, Milford Sound is a stunning fiord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island.
The “sound” was carved out by glaciers during the ice age like all modern fiords. But it’s majesty and the drama of its surrounding mountains is hard to match. It is known for the towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides.
When it rains in Milford Sound — and it often does — those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. Whatever the weather it really is a breath-taking sight.
Boat tours are a popular way to explore the inky waters of this pristine natural wonder. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life.
Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, a short 15min drive from Queenstown. One of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand, Arrowtown sits alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River.
The town was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. It is a living historic settlement with many stories to tell. Wander by the restored cottages and explore gold mining sights along the river.
A special highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river. Built by Chinese miners from 1868, this area of restored shelters and buildings paints a picture of earlier times.
The gold days are long over (although you can still pan for gold in the river with some success). So Arrowtown’s focus is on hosting visitors.
Arrowtown is a great place to spend time. Play a round at the challenging local golf course. Take a 4WD journey to Macetown, a ghost town accessible only by wagon track. While away some time wandering the streets, café hopping in the range of cafes, restaurants and bars. Browse boutiques selling homeware, souvenirs, wool and designer clothing.
Wanaka is a lively resort town surrounded by some stunning alpine scenery. It offers a picture-perfect location and easy access to the outdoors. The town has the buzz of a genuine alpine town and is the ultimate hub for outdoor adventures.
With Mount Aspiring National Park close by Wanaka is the perfect destination for exploring the Southern Alps. There are an abundance of activities on offer. Sky dive. Take a scenic flight. Go canyoning. Do some climbing or mountaineering. Or hike or bike on the hundreds of kilometres of local tracks offering iconic South Island views.
In summer, the crystal-clear water of the lakes and rivers are ideal for kayaking, fishing, lake cruises and jet-boating. And, in winter, Wanaka is a vibrant centre for skiers and snowboarders with four ski areas just a short drive from the town.
The drive north from Wanaka to the West Coast passes through the spectacular scenery of Haast Pass. Makarora, at the northern tip of Lake Wanaka, is a launching point for several multi-day walks in Mount Aspiring National Park. It also marks the start of the drive over the pass.
A number of shorter walks begin at the highway’s edge between Makarora and Haast. These lead you through rainforest to fabulous waterfalls. Favourites include walks to the Blue Pools, Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls and Roaring Billy.
At the Gates of Haast gorge, many travellers stop to photograph the wild water as it crashes over the river boulders.
The basins gouged out by Hawea and Wanaka Glaciers are now under the waters of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Two arms of the glaciers joined at a narrow piece of land called The Neck, crossed on the drive to Makarora.
Franz Josef is the name of both the glacier and the nearby village. The small but lively Franz Josef Waiau village is surrounded by lush rainforest with the high snow-capped Alps rising above it.
There are many ways to take in the natural attractions within a short distance of the village. Your options include a cycleway, walks of varying lengths, guided walks, kayaking, and action adventures like rafting or skydiving. You can also visit the white heron colony or see the world’s rarest kiwi.
A short distance from neighbouring Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. It descends from its origins high in the Southern Alps deep into the lush native rainforest of Westland’s National Park.
The glacier moves faster than your average glacier so no two days are the same. The main ice fall moves an average of 50cm per day, but steep sections can move as much as 10 metres in a single day. This creates some truly incredible features in the glacier such as ice caves, tunnels, seracs and crevasses; and all features are constantly changing and evolving.
Hokitika is a historic town in the West Coast region of NZ’s South Island. Close to the mouth of the Hokitika River, this character-filled town is 40 kilometres south of Greymouth.
Historic Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the West Coast. It is a place to appreciate the fascinating history of the West Coast. Visit to hear about the ship wrecks, gold miners and pounamu hunters.
The town was an important river port. And many ships came to grief on the notorious ‘Hokitika Bar’ – a sandbar that shifts with every tide.
Nowadays Hokitika is known as a Cool Little Town. There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk. You’ll also notice galleries specialising in pounamu jewellery and art works. And Hokitika’s iconic event is the Wildfoods Festival, held at the end of summer each year.
The Arahura River, entering the sea just north of Hokitika, is a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone). Gold jewellers, wood turners and potters provide other souvenir opportunities.
Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island, between Westport and Greymouth. The community lies on the edge of the Paparoa National Park.
The Pancake Rocks are a very popular tourist destination. At Dolomite Point south of the main village you can explore a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools on a short, paved walk.
This all-weather walk takes you through curious limestone formations of ‘Pancake Rocks’ and blowholes.
The blowholes form from a mixture of compressed water and air from caverns below being forced upwards. They create a huge wall of spray and are at their best around high tide when there is a south-westerly swell.
Spectacular views, geological oddities, coastal forest, rich birdlife and marine mammals are highlights along this walk.
The small alpine village of Arthur’s Pass is located between Canterbury and the West Coast of the South Island. Climbing to more than 900 metres through Arthur’s Pass National Park, it is the highest and most spectacular pass across the Southern Alps.
The road and rail tracks through this challenging environment are pieces of extreme engineering involving viaducts, bridges, rock shelters and waterfalls redirected into chutes. This is also the route of the famous Tranz Alpine Train journey.
Arthur’s Pass National Park itself is a landscape of two halves. Climbing the eastern side of the alps from Christchurch you’ll see wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast swathes of beech forest. Then, as you descend the western side, you’ll pass through dense rainforest alongside and over deeply gorged rivers.
Visitors should look out for New Zealand’s inquisitive and comical alpine parrot, the kea, along the way. This is a rugged and beautiful part of New Zealand.
Christchurch is an fascinating city to explore. It was once a historic garden city. Since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes it has turned into a fascinating city of regeneration and growth.
The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. But Christchurch is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces.
The Avon River runs through the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. Cruise along the picturesque river on a flat bottomed punt. Take a ride on a historic tram through the city. With wonderful parks and botanic gardens to explore Christchurch is a great place to visit.
Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park. But it is one of the most easily accessible and beautiful coastal paradise settings. And you’ll see all the highlights along the coast on board this cruise.
See granite outcrops, golden sands and lush forest. Take in Split Apple Rock, Tonga Island Marine Reserve and Adele Island Wildlife Reserve. View sea birds and seals, with a chance to spot little blue penguins. Then relax with a comfortable Vista Cruise back to Kaiteriteri.
With more than 30 cellar doors offering tastings, the best way to explore the region’s wine trail is on a Marlborough wine tour. Sample some of Marlborough’s stunning wines right next to the vines the grapes were grown on. And learn about the distinctive flavours and arts of viticulture and winemaking that go into each glass.
New Zealand’s largest and most famous wine region, Marlborough produces over 75% of New Zealand’s wine. It is the undisputed home of Sauvignon Blanc — world famous for its intense and pure flavours.
Experience an unforgettable day exploring the endless bays, caves and coves of Lake Rotoiti in Rotorua, under sail on the beautiful sailing catamaran ‘Tiua’. Fish for rainbow trout, soak in the lake edge thermal pools and explore some of the locals’ favourite places. Your crew will entertain you with local Maori legends, fine wine and great food as you cruise.
Lake Rotoiti offers many amazing spots catering to every activity and weather condition. And the experienced crew offer everything from the most adventurous to the most relaxed of itineraries.
Lake Rotoiti’s numerous bays mean there is always somewhere sheltered to park up and enjoy the serenity, no matter what the weather. Tiua can nudge into spectacular bush clad coves where you can relax and enjoy a meal and drinks, swim, and sunbathe. You can also go ashore and explore the bush or picnic on the beach.
Many areas of the lake offer a chance to see geothermal activity. Observe steaming fumaroles as you sail by or go ashore and sink your toes into the warm beach pumice sand. You can even soak in the tepid spring water of a natural flowing stream.
The yacht Tiua has a fully licensed bar serving local New Zealand wine and beer, and a great selection of spirits.
Board your cruise and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Islands. You’ll glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett. Here a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island/Motukōkako or, as it is popularly known, the “Hole in the Rock”.
According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the hole in their waka (canoes) before departing for battle. Drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen.
If conditions permit, your skipper will expertly guide the ship through the narrow space… And if you get dripped on, consider yourself lucky!
Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get you up close to the action. The crew have years of experience locating dolphins in these waters!
The Interislander is one of The Great Journeys of New Zealand and doubles as a Marlborough Sounds cruise. It is New Zealand’s original Cook Strait ferry, sailing between Wellington and Picton several times a day connecting the North & South Islands’ road and rail networks.
Considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world, The Interislander is one of New Zealand’s most iconic travel experiences. The ferry takes around three-and-a-half hours to travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island.
From Wellington, your short voyage begins with a tour around Wellington Harbour. You’ll then cross the narrow passage between New Zealand’s two main islands. This passage, The Cook Strait, is named after Captain Cook, the English explorer who first mapped it.
Having crossed Cook Strait, the final stretch of the journey is through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. This sheltered stretch of water is spectacularly scenic. It’s the reason the trip is known for its scenery. And it is this hour long cruise through the Marlborough Sounds that makes the Interislanderr a must-do experience.
Tāne Mahuta/ “God of the Forest”, is a giant kauri tree in Waipoua Forest in NZ’s Northland Region. Its age is unknown, but it is estimates range between 1,250 and 2,500 years. A short walk from the road leads you under cooling shade of the forest canopy to the majestic tree.
Named for the Māori god of forests and of birds, the tree is huge and quite breathtaking. New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, it is guaranteed to inspire awe in visitors.
Not far into the walk, a sweeping corner of the track suddenly brings you face to face with Tane Mahuta. You’ll feel compelled to pause for a while, when you catch your first view of the magnificent tree. You can almost feel the tree’s strength and ancient presence. And its size makes visitors look like dwarfs.
There is a wooden fence and a seat to view the tree. And you can move further along the track, which leads to another viewing platform, and a broader view of Tāne Mahuta.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most important historic sites.
Here, Aotearoa’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Today there is lots to see and do that connects visitors to that history. And it all comes with stunning views over the Bay of Islands
There are two contemporary museums. An authentic Whare Nui (Meeting House) hosts powerful Māori cultural performances. There are informative guided tours and an engaging visitor centre. Lush native forest and gardens. The inspiring art gallery and carving studio shouldn’t be missed. And the site also boasts, traditional Māori waka (canoe) and hāngi, a tranquil café and so much more. And all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.
“A small-group tour, with a knowledgeable, experienced and personable guide is, to my mind, an excellent way in which to explore a country in a limited timeframe; if the group is not restricted to travellers of a particular age group or status[…] so much the more interesting. When it comes to New Zealand, it is hard to imagine that any company could arrange a better such tour than Moatrek.” David (UK) – January, 2020
“New Zealand is a fabulous country and we were delighted to have spent the three weeks seeing as much as possible. Couldn’t imagine doing it in less time. Accommodations were great and the various places we stopped for lunch or dinner were always excellent. We hiked, biked and kayaked and couldn’t get enough of the outdoors.” David (USA) – November, 2019
“This was the furthest distance and longest time we’ve been away from home in the UK and we were a little bit apprehensive to be spending so much money on the tour. From day one all the way through to when we were dropped off at the airport and waved our goodbyes, the tour was fantastic in every way[…] New Zealand is a beautiful country and that was made better by the organised activities included within the tour price shared with a small and intimate group…” Tony & Soo (UK) – March, 2019
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